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Black tea (brewed)

Drinks & liquids · Tea

Black tea (brewed)

Brewed black tea, the strong amber drink used in chai, iced tea and some marinades and bakes. Contains caffeine.

Also called: tea, chai patti, çay, assam tea, ceylon tea

23 recipes with it

Photo: AntanO, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

What it is

This record is the brewed drink made by steeping fully oxidised tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) in boiling water. Assam is malty and strong, Ceylon bright, Darjeeling lighter and floral; Indian chai uses strong CTC tea boiled with milk and spices. For the dry leaves or tea bags, see black tea leaves.

How it’s used

  • Masala chai and milk tea
  • Iced tea and lemon tea
  • Soaking dried fruit for tea loaf and barmbrack
  • Chole (dark chickpea curry) colour and flavour
  • Marinating or poaching eggs (tea eggs)

Characteristics

Taste
Brisk, malty and astringent; stronger and more tannic the longer it steeps.
Aroma
Malty, sometimes smoky or floral.
Appearance
Clear amber to deep red-brown.
When cooked
Over-steeping releases more tannin and bitterness; milk softens it.
Sold as
liquid
Cooking uses
Suitable for boiling

Kinds in our pantry

Storage

Refrigerated. Best brewed fresh; refrigerate leftover tea for iced tea and use within a day.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Contains caffeine; decaffeinated versions are available.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
1 kcal
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrate
0.3 g
Fat
0 g
Fibre
0 g
Sugars
0 g

USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, tea, black, brewed, prepared with tap water.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

Related ingredients

Recipes with black tea (brewed)

See all 23

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